The NBA is still coming to terms with a Houston Rockets team with Chris Paul and James Harden at the helm, but some of the biggest stars likely on the move this summer might be interested in joining them there.
Just hours after the Los Angeles Clippers traded Paul to Houston, reports started swirling that two more big assets might want to join him on the Rockets. Carmelo Anthony and Paul George both took notice of the move in Houston and might be interested in joining him.
Source on Rockets: "They think they are getting Carmelo or Paul George."
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) June 28, 2017
Let’s start with George, who ESPN’s Brian Windhorst says has reportedly been a target of the Rockets for about a fortnight now. Considering the amount the Rockets just gave up for a player they essentially could have signed as a free agent for themselves, it makes you wonder exactly what they’re willing to do to acquire George and the year remaining on his contract.
The wild card is whether he signs a long-term extension once he’s a hypothetical Rocket, but this whole thing is complicated enough right now so let’s hit the pause button on that for now.
Then there’s Carmelo Anthony, who a jubilant Stephen A. Smith says might be interested in joining the Rockets as well.
Smith is supposed to be on vacation, but he’s in full-time Knicks mode today and has appeared on at least three ESPN entities to talk about Jackson and the Knicks. On SportsCenter, Smith said that Carmelo Anthony may still be on his wait out of New York even after Phil Jackson got the heave ho.
Stephen A. Smith reporting that if Carmelo Anthony receives a buyout from the NY Knicks, he'll head to Houston to join Harden and CP3.
— Fletcher Mackel (@FletcherWDSU) June 28, 2017
If you believe the reports, that’s two huge options for the Rockets. Though it’s not the first time the Rockets have come up in trade talks this summer, it’s clear they are not just talking. They’re ready to deal.
ESPN.com’s Jeff Goodman reported Wednesday the Rockets are “not done yet” as they pursue a third star to pair with Paul and James Harden.
That news comes a week after ESPN.com’s Marc Stein reported the Rockets had their sights set on a slew of big-name free agents, including Paul, Blake Griffin, Paul Millsap and Kyle Lowry.
How they decide between those two is tough to say, but it’s clear that adding Chris Paul is just the first step in their offseason plans. It’s a move that’s certainly given them a number of options moving forward.
